Ichthyological terms, not general ones.
Naturally-occurring, crsytalline form of calcium carbonate with a notable buffering capacity. Popular as a substrate or substrate additive in marine and freshwater aquaria where pH and hardness must be maintained at high levels, and has a more rapid, effective effect than coral sand, for example.
A commonly-occurring genus of fish louse.
Quiet, often stagnant body of water connected to a larger body but held back in some way, e.g. by a naturally-occurring dam or tide.
Used in 88 profiles
The bottom or lowest part of something. Biology. The point of attachment of a part or organ, e.g., a fin. Chemistry. A substance that can accept protons or donate pairs of electrons. The chemical opposite of an acid. Bases have a pH greater than 7.0 and a solution containing one or more bases is often referred to as an alkali.
Used in 1,187 profiles
A fish species which deposite eggs on more than a single occasion throughout a particular spawning season rather than within a short period.
The scientific system of naming an organism using two terms, the first representing the genus and the second the species. Also referred to as 'scientific name' or, somewhat inaccurately, 'Latin name'.
The chemical composition of an organism, living system or biological entity; the study of chemical substances and processes occurring within living organisms.
Raised, epidermal structures developing on the head, body or fin rays during the spawning season in some fishes. Usually occur only in males, and sometimes referred to as 'nuptial tubercules'.
Any of a category of yellow to red pigments occurring naturally in plants and animals and including the carotenes and xanthophylls. Animals obtain carotenoids in their diets and they're known to enhance colouration in some fishes.
Used in 4 profiles
Current and most recent of the three Phanerozoic geological eras, immediately following the Mesozoic Era and covering the period from 65.5 mya to the present. Also known as the 'Age of Mammals' due to the great diversification occurring among that group, it's divided into three periods: Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary; and seven epochs: Paleocene, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, Pliocene, Pleistocene, and Holocene.
Used in 8 profiles
Nitrogen-containing polysaccharide which forms the principal constituent of arthropod exoskeletons and the cell walls in some fungi.
A chlorophyll-containing plastid found in the cells of green plants and some algae within which photosynthesis occurs.
Of or relating to biological processes occurring over a 24 hour cycle; daily.
In taxonomy, the arrangement of organisms into taxonomic groups according to their degree of evolutionary relatedness.
Used in 50 profiles
Disease of freshwater fishes caused by species of parasitic flagellate protozoa from the genus Ichthyobodo and more accurately referred to as ichthyobodiosis. It attacks the gills, fins and skin with symptoms including an increase body mucus secretion giving rise to the vernacular term 'skin slime disease'. Can be treated using proprietary products but frequently fatal otherwise.
Term formerly used in zoological taxonomy and equivalent to the modern terms syntype and paratype but no longer valid according to the ICZN code.
Type of lake formed by accummulation of water in a volvanic crater or caldera.
Used in 7 profiles
Behavioural strategy seen in certain nest-building fishes in which one or more males that are not an accepted part of a spawning event fertilise some eggs. Such individuals are commonly referred to as sneaker, sneaky or satellite males.
Phylum of generally blue-green coloured bacteria, often confused with algae, that obtain their energy via photosynthesis and include unicellular and colonial species. Some species occur commonly in aquaria where they're normally regarded as pests.
Used in 21 profiles
Used here on SF in reference to the theory of biological evolution whereby evolution occurs by a process of natural selection thus ensuring survival of the fittest. Includes some theories unconnected with the work of Charles Darwin and has been applied to a range of different philosophies over time, however.